Monday, January 19, 2009

Healing Art Journal Pages

These are very personal pages. It is a healing piece. After I finished it I didn't feel stressed out anymore.

As for details, I will say that we have a Manx cat, so when I draw cats they never have tails. Sometimes I think to add them later even though they look strange to me, but I like the triangle shape of this kitty and decided to leave it be. Also the writing on the left page is some of the lyrics from this song.




I was trying out a new tool on these pages. I love the messy look that came out, but I've read it's got many tricks. Photo realist Jon Friedman likes it because it can do precise edges and "smear colors together seamlessly". If you'd like to try them (aha! a fellow supply junkie) here are some benefits and useful tips on using these silicon color shapers.

To me it felt like painting with a greasy finger.

12 comments:

Leah said...

ooo, a new tool, fun!

the page looks fabulous, shayla. and i'm glad to hear that it made you feel better too.

Megan Coyle said...

whoa, I've never used those before. New tools are always fun :)

jo horswill said...

You know Shayla, I love the sound of your words "after I finished I didn't feel stressed anymore"...I have always believed in art to be a super healer...works for so many of us!!! Journal pages look special.
The new tool looks interesting...you can never haver enough tools in the studio!!! That's my motto anyway, and I'm sticking to it. :)

bindu said...

Your little triangle cat is cute! We have two - one with a lovely, long tail I wish I could have, and the other with a crooked tail. I like the look of your page too.

Jeane Myers said...

wow, Shayla - I'm loving the pink you have been using - this work feels risky and pushing your edges...

Unknown said...

Looks fun Shayla and glad you feel better after painting..maybe I should try that..as a stress reliever ;p

Tracy said...

What a great tool...and terrific effect! I've never played with anything like that before. And as if I need another new addiction?! ;o) I find your journal pages very moving to see...They tell much. And a sense of "relief", is that the word even, or ease and calm after the work is sensed. That you are fully in your element and in discovery-mode is very apparent. Thank you for sharing it with us. :o) ((HUGS))

picciolo said...

what a great new tool, I haven't seen one of those before. How wonderful that you were able to lose all your stress in this piece, that must be worth its weight in gold!
: )

Genie Sea said...

That tool looks and sounds like a lot of FUN! Your journal pages are dreamy. :)

Shayla said...

Leah, I think I found it easier to find healing in art when I stopped being so serious about the whole process. Like you say, "play!"

Megan and Jo: Hah, Hah! I knew there were fellow supply junkies out there :D

Thanks Bindu, gotta love variety. Someday I think I'll adopt a long haired beauty. Crooked tail, long tail, fluffy bunny tail- doesn't matter.

Jeane, yes I love the freedom of a journal to do whatever I want. Pushing allowed ;)

Oh, yes, M. Kate, do. Even scribbling can work out our emotions. If needed, it's ok to tear through the paper :D

Tracy, thanks for your kind words. Revealing so much about ourselves in art is not something I'm always comfortable with. It sure helps when met with such support.

Jane, yes. I hadn't thought of it that way, thanks. Hmmm... A painting a day keeps the doctor away?

Genie Sea, oh yes. New tools are always fun!

ArtPropelled said...

I've always loved that song. It goes waaaaaaaay back.
Every now and then I forget that art is healing but it doesn't take long, once I've started creating, to feel so much better. I'm glad you worked through your stress, Shayla. Cat is quirky :-)

Shayla said...

Ah Robyn, you know the song! I'm so pleased :) It usually draws blank stares when I mention it.